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Diversity and evolution of bodyguard manipulation
Fanny Maure1, Simon Payette Daoust, Jacques Brodeur
1IRD, MIVEGEC (UMR CNRS/IRD/UM1/UM2), 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501, FR-34394 Montpellier cedex 5, France. fanny.maure2@gmail.com
The Journal of Experimental Biology
|December 11, 2012
Summary
Parasites manipulate host behavior, including protective actions, a concept termed bodyguard manipulation. This review expands the definition to include parasite-induced host protection beyond classic examples, exploring evolutionary pathways.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Parasites employ diverse strategies to manipulate host behavior.
- Bodyguard manipulation, where hosts protect parasites, is a key example.
- Existing research primarily focuses on predation enhancement by manipulated hosts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review classic bodyguard manipulation by parasites.
- To explore and define 'bodyguard dimensions' of host manipulation.
- To propose an extended definition of bodyguard manipulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parasite-host interaction studies.
- Analysis of induced host behaviors beyond predation enhancement.
- Discussion of evolutionary scenarios for these manipulations.
Main Results:
- Classic bodyguard manipulation involves insect parasitoids.
- Parasites also induce host behaviors to reduce mortality and avoid predation.
- These protective behaviors represent 'bodyguard dimensions' of manipulation.
Conclusions:
- The definition of bodyguard manipulation should be broadened to encompass parasite-induced host protection.
- Understanding these protective dimensions offers new insights into host manipulation evolution.
- Further research is needed to explore the evolutionary pathways of these complex interactions.
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